The sad thing is, during the Reagan years, Lugar was a realiable conservative vote in the Senate.
Unfortunately, far too many politicians think that election to office isn’t a unique honor that gives them a short window where they have an opportunity to do some good. Instead they think their office is a lifetime appointment to rule over those who lack their wisdom to see the ‘big picture’. In Lugar’s case, he has served on past the point where he has any real connection at all to his constituents. He could have rode off into the sunset in the mid-90s with the appreciation of a grateful public. Instead he will have to chased from office like a pathetic old despot.
“...pathetic old despot.”
Term limits would help in that regard, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to at least try term limits. IMHO, the Founders failed in that respect.